Now that her domineering mother is dead, there's nothing to keep Tess Montgomery from taking possession of an unexpected inheritance a small ranch and an abandoned mine just outside Tucson, Arizona. Then Tess discovers her co-beneficiary is Zachary McClain, a Confederate soldier she protected from imprisonment ten years earlier. But their reunion is far from warm as Zach no longer resembles the gentle Virginian Tess once knew. For some reason she cannot fathom, this man detests the very sight of her. More troublesome, the very sight of Zach fills Tess with passionate longing. For almost ten years, Zach McClain has nursed his hatred of Tess Montgomery until it resembles a festering wound. Now, in order to sell the property left to them, Zach must declare an armed truce with the woman he believes betrayed him to Union forces. The effort is driving him mad, especially as his loathing competes with an even stronger desire for the slim, chestnut-haired beauty. The truth of what really happened all those years ago could set their love free if Tess' reckless sacrifice doesn't destroy their last chance at happiness.